S'pore president, Nathan: I do not want any responsibility (after step down) - 31Aug2011

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• published: 31 Aug 2011
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SINGAPORE: Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said President SR Nathan has discharged his responsibilities with dignity and distinction, and has upheld the standing and prestige of the office, and of Singapore, in the world. Mr Lee said Singaporeans will long remember Mr Nathan's many contributions. Speaking at a farewell reception for President Nathan at the Istana, Mr Lee described him as one who worked closely with the Government, to refine the rules regarding the President's custodial powers. Mr Lee stressed Mr Nathan's leadership was particularly important during the 2008 global financial crisis where the government formally sought the President's approval to use part of the reserves to back a guarantee on bank deposits and later, to actually draw on reserves to fund the resilience package. As the crisis deepened, Mr Lee recalled how Mr Nathan would track the situation with his Council of Presidential Advisers. Mr Lee said: "This episode is significant not just because it was the first time the Government requested to draw on past reserves, and the President approved a draw. "More importantly, the deliberate and responsible approach taken by both parties validated the working arrangements and set an important precedent on how the President and government will deal with future crises." Mr Lee also said Mr Nathan quietly rendered help when he detected a need. For instance, Mr Nathan personally sponsored needy students through universities or polytechnics and helped obtain special medical care for accident victims who were unable to afford full treatment. Responding to the Prime Minister's speech, President SR Nathan said when he was sworn in as President in 1999, he had said that he would be a President for all Singaporeans, with every community as his parish. He shared how he had received much goodwill and affection from Singaporeans. Mr Nathan said: "When I was sworn in as President in 1999, I said that I will be a President for all Singaporeans, with every community of Singaporeans as my parish. I have tried to live up to that, engaging the different races and religious groups in every way possible. "I am deeply touched by such affection shown to me by Singaporeans, and I will always cherish that memory." Mr Nathan added that looking back over his years in the Presidency, what stood out for him is how Singaporeans and the government showed their ability to develop a society that lives in harmony. Other guests at the farewell reception also shared their thoughts on President Nathan. Indranee Rajah, an MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, said: "When I was a new Member of Parliament, and of course I had never met him. There was a reception here at the Istana. And he took the trouble to come up to say hello, to introduce himself. And he did it in such an unassuming way that made me feel instantly at ease. And that's a hallmark that I see time and time again." Vikram Nair, MP for Sembawang GRC, said: "I guess one of those memorable (contributions) was probably when he offered himself up during some very intense hostage negotiations in the 80s. From what I know from people who've worked with him, that's been a hallmark of a lot of his work. He's been entirely selfless." Jennie Chua, Chairman of the Community Chest, said that Mr Nathan understood the needs of Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs). She said: "There will be occasions where he will call me to his office and explain to me some things he's found out- for example, some fund-raising gaps that we have not met and then he will give us counsel, as to what to do to help the VWOs."